Workhorse of the year – Van Der Spek undyed personal sized binder
From this:
To this:
I have used this binder without a break since 2014 and it is just getting better. It has become darker and softer, and gained a gorgeous glowy patina. There is not a stitch out of place and the rings are tight as drums. I have never used one binder for this length of time and I cannot imagine ever moving out of it. This leather is not for everyone but because it marks and patinas as it does, it really is unique and forms and shapes itself to your life.
Inserts of the year – Burde Interplano 46
As always, Burde. They are laid out exactly as I need, given that my schedule is the foundation upon which my waking life rotates. I rely so heavily on my schedule that it needs to be easy to access, edit, read.
Beautiful binder of the year – custom rainbow binder by Van Der Spek
This one belongs to Reina S and is, quite simply, the most beautiful one I have ever seen. It really shows off the craftsmanship and talent of the Van Der Speks and Reina’s design is beautiful!
Surprise bargain of the year – A5 Gillio Mia Cara in epoca purple
I love Gillio epoca leather and this surprise bargain just fell into my lap during the year. I love my personal sized purple Gillio Mia Cara and this was the perfect partner to it.
Surprise success of the year – regular size brown Strawberry Notebook
This one was a total surprise success to me. I felt like a change from my flooring TN (also by Strawberry Notebook) and changed into this one on a whim. I love it and find it impossible to move out. In it I use my leather pen loops and leather wallet from Monique Vanmeulebrouk. I also use a Midori calendar and Midori Lightweight paper notebooks.
Work of art of the year – Dark Angel TN set by Monique Vanmeulebrouk
These are absolutely stunning – handprinted by the supremely talented Monique from Morgan Le Fae’s trinkets on Etsy. I cannot imagine anything more beautiful.
Leather of the year – Van Der Spek LV in red, yellow and green
This is rumoured to be Louis Vuitton Epi leather with an extra crosshatch applied to enable it to be resold. It is lovely – tough and durable yet soft and squishy. I have a matching Van Der Spek Nomad which has all three colours on it so that it can be used with any of the binders.
Successful project of the year – 12-elastic personal size TN cover by Strawberry Notebook
I used this to lose extra poundage I had collected over the year. I started in November, am down 5kg so far and only have 0.5kg to go! All my clothes fit and I am delighted!
Favourite rare Filofax – Classic Mashup
Ena S organised this for me on German eBay and I am delighted. Only 25 of each of the two colour ways were made so they are almost impossible to find. I am now after the other one, which I doubt I will ever find but one can hope!
Favourite rarity – Mulberry Double binder
Never seen another one of these – ever. This was another one that Ena S facilitated for me on German eBay.
Favourite five year diary
I collect vintage 5-year diaries and this is my favourite one from 2015 – never seen another like it!
Favourite pens – Pilot Petit1
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My favourite pens of the year – hard to find these days but luckily I bought a load of them.
My favourite pencil – Edwardian commemorative
I have been using this one daily for years and it still works perfectly, despite being almost 120 years old. It takes 2mm leads and was made in around 1900 to commemorate the coronation of King Edward VII. It would have been kept on a chatelaine or watch chain. I actually have a matching pencil holder from the same set, which I found on Etsy last year. What are the chances of that?
